At Naturopathica, every ingredient counts. The New York based brand's products are packed with luxurious, high-quality, natural ingredients working in harmony with the skin's anti-aging process to restore healthier, younger looking skin.

As a fan and a loyal customer, I've never been disappointed in Naturopathica. The brand's high standards and commitment is evident in every product I've tried, including the Vitamin C15 Wrinkle Repair Serum. This potent daily serum is formulated to firm, brighten and protect the skin while helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Containing a powerful blend of 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin E and Oat Beta Glucan, the serum helps correct skin tone and stimulate collagen production. Plus, Hyaluronic Acid adds essential moisture and helps calm irritation. So powerful, it's left my face looking brighter and more radiant in just a matter of days.

Featured Ingredients:

15% VITAMIN C (L-ASCORBIC ACID): Clinically proven to be the most effective form of Vitamin C, L-Ascorbic Acid actively stimulates collagen production to combat fine lines and wrinkles, provides strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, and improves skin tone and texture.

VITAMIN E AND ERGOTHIONEINE: This powerful anti-oxidant duo enhances Vitamin C performance, boosts cellular energy and helps prevent elastin damage.

HYALURONIC ACID: Capable of holding up to 1,000 times its own weight in water, this bio-hydrator helps plump and enhance collagen production to quench dull, dehydrated skin.

OAT BETA GLUCAN: A powerful anti-inflammatory agent and cell immunity booster, it helps heal and guard skin against free radicals for healthier, younger-looking skin.

PROS: 
Firming and smoothing effect
Light texture and scent
Reduced appearance of fine lines
Contains powerful ingredients proven to be most effective
Easy to use
Well designed
Made in USA
Helps calm irritation

CONS: Can be pricy for many at $114

Value: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Packaging: 5/5
Price: $$$$$

Overall: 5/5

For the last few months, I've been incredibly busy and stressed. With so little time and energy I often neglected to hydrate properly. How do you fight the look of dull, dehydrated skin? I would constantly drink up water and cut down on sugars, but almost forgot about the outside layers of my skin without realizing how it's very possible to have poor water circulation in our faces. But here it was - Vichy's new Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydration line - Serum and Light Cream or Rich Care designed to rehydrate the skin by spreading water throughout the face.

Both the cream and the serum are gentle and light enough for most skin types. I saw an improvement almost immediately as the products are exceptionally hydrating and uplifting, the skin felt so plump and the cream worked so well as a makeup base. The product line's formula is a combination of Vichy's Thermal Spa Water and energizing sugars to achieve an even distribution of water in all facial zones.

PROS:

• Radiant skin
• Immediate plumping effect
• Refreshing and light
• High concentration of Vichy Thermal Spa Water
• Paraben free, of course
• Non greasy, non sticky
• Dehydration lines are smoothed out
• Fresh texture that melts on the skin
• Provides lasting hydration
• Well packaged

CONS: None noted

Overall, Vichy's Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydration helps to distribute moisture evenly throughout the face for a fresh look, giving an ideal state of beautiful skin - smooth and plump! Ladies, gives this one a try, it's a great line from Vichy.

Value: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Packaging: 5/5
Price: $$$

Overall: 5/5

I absolutely love this! This smudge-proof, eye-catching shadow pencil from Make Up For Ever is amazing. The latest addition to the Aqua family, the new Aqua Matic is a ridiculously long-lasting, easy to use glide-on eye pencil created for pros and novices alike. This product lasts in extreme environment, like summer heat, or sweaty dance club - it's exceptionally high-performance and I adore the colour. It matches my eyes!


PROS:

• Glides-on
• Creamy texture
• Blends easily
• Waterproof
• Long-lasting
• Smudge-proof
• Crease-proof
• 10 colours
• Iridescent, satin, metallic
• Convenient packaging
• Sharpener included

CONS:
Can be pricy for some, at $25, but definitely worth it!

Swipe your favourite colours across the lid for a quick and easy look, or even create a multicoloured look by layering additional colours. It's flexible enough for all kinds of applications.

Value: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Packaging: 5/5
Price: $$$

Overall: 5/5 

Australian-made and natural, Dr. Roebuck's is the natural active skincare line formulated 'for all things precious' aka our skin. The Pure Body cream is incredibly hydrating, enriched with powerful anti-oxidants from France, White Tea, Macadamia Oil and Vitamin E all working harmoniously with Shea Butter base.

My over-exposed to sun, dry skin is suddenly rehydrated, moisturized and tightened. The cream is thick in texture, but non greasy, free of nasty chemicals, and ensures efficacy for the most sensitive skin. It can also greatly help in the reversal of sun damage - which is one of the reasons why I've been using it.

PROS:

• Enriched with powerful antioxidants 
• Natural and chemicals free
• Great for sensitive skin
• Anti-aging
• BPA & Paraben Free
• Tightens skin
• Hydrates well
• Creamy texture
• Non-greasy
• Pleasant scent

CONS:
Takes a while to apply all over the body

Price: $29.95/250ML
Available at Murale stores across Canada and online at murale.ca

Overall, this is a luxurious body cream, natural, and made with some of the best quality ingredients. My skin felt a lot softer only after a few days - Pure Body is so soothing too!

Value: 4/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Packaging: 4/5
Price: $$$$

Overall: 4/5 

It can be difficult to achieve flawless skin, especially in extreme summer heat and bright sun, my face becomes extra prone to oiliness. Sweaty, greasy, and uncomfortable! Well, truth is flawlesss skin starts at the base and requires prepping and colour-correcting, those are are the very first steps of creating a perfect complexion.

Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer is on my list at the moment.  It's formulated light in texture and oil free to act as a  preparation product that creates a protective film, a shield preventing the foundation from penetrating the skin. What does this mean? It helps the makeup be more long lasting and more evenly applied. The primer also helps create a soft focus effect thanks to Silica Micro Beads in the formula - the beads refract both man-made and natural light to softly hide imperfections.

Best of all, the primer has nourishing ingredients which act as moisturizers protecting the skin from dryness, creating a balanced canvas for the job!

The HD Primer comes in seven shades that enhance natural colour:

0 Neutral - adds natural luminosity to the complexion
1 Green - minimizes redness
2 Mauve - neutralizes strong olive undertones
4 Caramel - adds a warm glow to deeper skin tones
5 Blue - gives porcelain finish to fair skin
6 Yellow - adds golden tones to dark complexions
7 Pink - adds brightness and warmth


I have tried the 0 Neutral and it's been good to me so far. It works well with my extremely oily skin and fills in most of the lines. A definite must try.

PROS:
Invisible finish
Light texture
Moisturizing
Smooths out the skin
Minimizing lines and pores
Gives a good base for even makeup
Non-greasy
Made in France
Oil free
Suits every skintone

CONS:
Can be pricy for some at $39

Value: 4/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Packaging: 4/5
Price: $$$$

Overall: 4/5 

Would I use it again? YES!

It's been a hot and sunny summer so far here in Vancouver. We're known for rain, but not this time around! In fact, it's been so sunny that I had to religiously apply my sunscreen before going out. Even on a cloudy day, the sun rays can travel through, and regardless of the season, the protection must always be worn! I wasn't this wise before, and recently learned that:

• Snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays
• 80% of UV rays can penetrate heavy cloud cover
• Water reflects about 25% of UV rays

What you'll need to fully protect yourself against UVA rays (the aging rays), is a powerful formula with high enough SPF (at least 30, but preferably 50+).

For the last few years, I've been using Vichy Capital Soleil sunscreens, and recently got my hands on Vichy's new Invisible Mist. The mist is very easy to use everyday, dries quickly, hydrating, and smells refreshing. Best of all, it leaves no greasy residue. I have incorporated the mist into my routine and it worked out well - a definite must for the summer!

PROS:

• Suitable for all skin types
• Formulated with Vichy Thermal Spa Water
• Refreshing fragrance
• Paraben Free
• Alcohol Free
• Hydrating
• Easy to use packaging
• Dry touch
• Lightweight texture
• Pleasant on skin

CONS: None

It's been a pleasure to use. I spray on hassle-free right before I leave for work.

Value: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Packaging: 5/5
Price: $$$

Overall: 5/5 

Would I use it again? YES!

The Canadian leader in eco-friendly products, Live Clean, has developed two new hair oil products: Exotic Vitality Monoi Oil Leave-In Treatment and Exotic Silk Keratin Oil Leave-In Treatment. The two work beautifully, taming frizz, without weighing hair down or creating product build-up and residue. The best part, of course, is that these oils are silicone-free, 100% plant based, and deliver exceptional results.

I almost always avoid hair treatments, as I have coarse, thick long hair, and find most products do not work well on me. With the new Live Clean oils, my hair certainly doesn't feel greasy, but smooth and less frizzy. Plus, both of the products rinsed out easily and completely. Sounds great!

Live Clean Exotic Vitality Monoi Leave-In Treatment

-Strengthens hair

-Prevents breakage and increases elasticity 

-Made with Jojoba Oil and Bamboo extract

-Hydrating 

Live Clean Exotic Silk Keratin Leave-In Treatment

-Works well on dry hair

-Smoothing

-Protective

-Creates shine

-Strengthening

And another favourite of mine is the Live Clean Age Resist Miracle Nutrition Oil

-Designed as a pre-shampoo treatment, it increases sheen, lustre and density of each hair strand to appear thicker and fuller!

How to use:

Apply to damp hair that’s freshly washed and conditioned. Non leave-in oils (like Live Clean Age Resist Miracle Oil) are best on wet hair as well.

Place 1-2 drops of oil in palm of hand and rub your hands together. This will ensure a thin layer. Lightly comb your fingers through your hair from the mid-section to the ends, distributing as evenly as you can. Start with one side of your head, then the other.

Do not apply all over. It’s the damaged or frizzy areas that need help.

Leave-in treatments like Live Clean Monoi and Live Clean Keratin can be used after each shampoo and conditioning. Rinse-out Miracle Nutrition Oil can be used as a pre-shampoo treatment every time you wash your hair. With Live Clean oils you don’t have to worry about build-up. Live Clean’s formulations are water soluble, rinsing out easily and completely; they won’t build up on the hair as hair oil products with silicone do.

You can apply a few drops to dry hair before swimming to protect it from the harsh effects of chlorinated water.

PROS:

99 percent plant derived

Eco-friendly

Paraben free

Silicone free

Earth-friendly packaging

Affordable at $11.99
Multi-use and long lasting

CONS:

None!

Value: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 4/5
Packaging: 4/5
Price: $$

Overall: 4/5 

Would I use it again? YES!

Our skin regenerates at night, and while that beauty sleep is crucial and makes so much difference, it's often not enough to make significant changes to our skin tone or help those dreaded dark spots disappear. Although most of us associate dark spots with aging, it's actually common for skin hyperpigmentation to result from sun damage (aka tanning), so it's important to avoid exposure to UV rays altogether. I keep reminding myself to apply that sunscreen before I step outside this summer!

All that sunshine - the main cause of dark spot formation. But don't despair - there is hope. With so many of us concerned over uneven skin tone, Vichy has stepped up to the game with yet another amazing product, the ProEVEN Night concentrate. 

ProEVEN Night's formula is concentrated with molecules, Vitamin C, and other ingredients to help treat visible dark spots and also prevent future spots from appearing. Use it every night as a night treatment and you'll start seeing results from the 1st morning. For me, it was subtle, but definitely felt like my skin was a lot smoother and lighter. 

PROS:

• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Paraben-free
• Formulated with Vichy Thermal Spa Water
• Fresh hydrating gel texture
• Can be used as a mask when applied in thick layer
• Exfoliates the skin
• Great for light skin tones

CONS:

• Takes a few weeks to see a difference
• Can be pricy at $49

Overall, Vichy ProEVEN Night is a promising product. After doing some research I've found other consumers who've seen amazing results. I will be patiently using this product for another month or so to see if I'll get even better results!

Value: 4/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 4/5
Packaging: 5/5
Price: $$$$

Overall: 4/5 

Would I use it again? YES!

Like many others, I've been looking for environmentally friendly, silicone-free alternatives to smoothing hair products - and found the one! The Live Clean Age Resist is an exceptional and powerful hair product line like no other. Age Resist Shampoo, Age Resist Conditioner, Age Resist Multi 10 in 1 Treatment and Age Resist Miracle Nutrition Oil by Live Clean effectively target problems and symptoms of aging hair: diminished density, changes in hair texture, dullness and
lack of shine, increased dryness and fragile, breaking hair.

I started seeing results only after the first few washes. Now my hair feels incredibly smooth, silky, and smells great for days. I'm surprised and very impressed - the product delivers salon quality at drugstore price point (priced from $8.99-$11.99).

Four Exceptional Products, Highly Effective on Their Own and in Combination…. 

Age Resist Shampoo: Gently cleanses without stripping, infusing hair with certified organic Rosehip Oil and Pomegranate, Gogi and Blueberry extracts. Moisturizes with Avocado Oil, thickens, adds fullness and improves texture with Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein (Thick-bond Protein™). SLS free. Formulated for daily use. 

Age Resist Conditioner: Restores hydration with the botanical silicone free alternative of Avocado and Rosehip Oils. Enriched with Anti-Oxi Fruit Blend™. Thickens, enriches and protects with Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein (Thick-bond Protein™). Wonderfully lightweight. Formulated for daily use. 

Age Resist Multi 10 in 1 Treatment: Powerful multi-purpose, leave-in beauty balm penetrates hair with rich Avocado Oil and the abundant omegas and vitamins of natural Rosehip Oil moisturize, protect, repair, soften, increase sheen, strengthen, smooth, tame fly-aways, shield against UV rays and increase manageability. Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein and Anti-Oxi Fruit Blend™ treat damaged and frail hair ends. Formulated for daily use. 

Age Resist Miracle Nutrition Oil: Emergency rescue dual layer oil to be used as a pre-shampoo treatment. Combines oils and utilizes Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, attaching to the hair shaft, increasing sheen, lustre and density of each hair strand causing hair to appear thicker and fuller. Jojoba Oil smoothes unruly hair, imparting shine and manageability. Rosehip and Avocado Oil act as a natural alternative to silicone. Formulated for use as a pre-shampoo treatment as often as needed.

PROS:

• Eco-friendly
• Smells amazing
• Enriched with antioxidants and natural oils
• Softens & protects from aging
• Multi-purpose
• Affordable

CONS: None!

Value: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Packaging: 5/5
Price: $$

Overall: 5/5 

Would I use it again? YES!

My new go-to and the latest addition to my purse, the Make Up For Ever HD Blush in 410 is a dream and a must have for Spring/Summer 2014! The beautiful coral colour blends so easily and seamlessly into my skin - I love it.  This new generation HD Cream Blush "has been created to melt into the skin for a natural flush of colour for both on camera and in everyday life." 

Available in such a wife range of colours, it will suit every skin tone, and give you naturally sculpted cheeks for a healthy glow. No more clown look! The hues range from light to medium to tan to deep for both cool and warm undertones. The compact with a mirror, being small and lightweight, makes it ultra-convenient for any size makeup bag or purses. I've applied the HD Cream Blush with my fingertips, as well as a small sponge - it blends very well!

 For a warm look, I'm wearing the 410 along with Rouge Artist Intense in 50. Take a look:

PROS:

• Sheer, seamless finish
• Perfectly balanced and smooth texture
• Lightweight
• Long lasting
• Natural colour with luminous finish
• Compact packaging with mirror
• Comes in 16 shades
• Great for everyday use

CONS:

• None!

Where to Find: in-store at Sephora, online at Sephora.ca, and MAKE UP FOR EVER Boutiques

Price: $31.00

Value: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Packaging: 5/5
Price: $$$$

Overall: 5/5 

Would I use it again? YES!

Having oily skin is no fun! Especially when having a flawless complexion all day is a must. With the blotting papers and tissues conveniently stored in my purse, I run to the nearest mirror every chance I get. Touching up on the go is the norm and can be quite a nuisance if I have to do it so often. Yes, it can be so frustrating when I'm out and about and the makeup is literally melting. 

I've always been looking for a silky, lightweight finishing powder that doesn't increase the appearance of pores and doesn't make the skin look dry. Luckily, I think I've found the one! The industry's leading professional makeup brand, Make Up For Ever, has reinvented its best-selling HD Microfinish Loose Powder and has launched the HD Pressed Powder.

So very impressive - it does it right and does it well. It's lightweight texture softens the appearance of fine lines and pores. The exclusive formula is a combination of three premium powders (silica, vinyl crosspolymer and Micro & Spherical powders). Best of all, the talc free, professional touch up powder is perfect for use throughout the day helping reduce that dreaded shine while remaining completely invisible. 

Available in one universal shade, as it's translucent, the powder is suited for all skin types and skin tones and is formulated with hyaluronic acid to help prevent skin dehydration. 

Stay tuned for featured looks! I will be trying it out for all day events this week.

PROS:

• Sheer, chalk-free finish
• Oil-absorbing
• Lightweight
• Long lasting
• Completely translucent
• Compact packaging
• A little goes a long way
• Softens appearance of fine lines and pores

CONS:

• Don't over do it - may look chalky in photographs

Where to Find: in-store at Sephora, online at Sephora.ca, and MAKE UP FOR EVER Boutiques

Price: $41.00

How to Use:

• Swirl #124 Medium Kabuki Brush into powder.
• Beginning in the center of the face, press and roll brush onto the skin.
• Finish with gentle, downward strokes to blend.

Value: 4/5
Quality: 4/5
Performance: 5/5
Packaging: 4/5
Price: $$$$

Overall: 4/5 

Would I use it again? YES!

I've been raving about Naturopathica for a few years now as they never disappoint. The brand is amazing at reinforcing our well being, and all the while living up to their word and commitment. During this winter, I've began using the Calendula Essential Hydrating Cream, a miracle worker for very dry and sensitive skin. It's "a nourishing, deeply moisturizing cream that contains anti-inflammatory Calendula Extract to soothe dry, sensitive skin and conditioning Borage Seed Oil to help soften the skin." My skin responded so well to Calendula, the main ingredient in this moisturizer, which happens to be a wound healing herb which contains properties to reduce inflammation and soothe irritation.

Being all natural, with almost perfect consistency and texture, this cream feels just right. And while it may seem pricy for some, a very small amount goes a long way! It's truly amazing how great my skin feels the morning after. I can honestly say this is one of the best hydrating creams I've ever tried.

How to use: Gently smooth a pea size amount over face and neck using upward and outward movements. Apply morning and night over serum or after treatment for best results.

PROS:

• Beautifully designed
• Anti-inflammatory and soothing
• Natural scent with hints of lavender
• Soft, creamy texture
• Natural and Organic Cosmetic certified by ECOCERT Greenlife
• Contains high quality, natural ingredients
• Long lasting hydration
• Perfect for dry and sensitive skin

CONS: None!

Value: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Packaging: 5/5
Price: $$$$

Overall: 5/5 

Would I use it again? YES! And you have to try it too.

Our skin goes through dramatic changes as we age. These changes, like thinning skin and reduced production of collagen, alter our skin's surface appearance and create fine lines which eventually develop into deep wrinkles and folds. Sounds scary - and it can be - which is why now is a good time to correct such damaging changes.

Vichy's new Liftactiv Advanced Concentrate is a daily wrinkle corrector designed to visibly fill and smooth-out all wrinkles, even deep and vertical ones like frown and smile lines. The unique formula contains 0.2% pure Retinol, LR2412 (jasmonic molecule), hyaluronic acid, and other ingredients which give it anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties. For the first time, Vichy created their highest concentration pure Retinol in most tolerant formula - you can use it daily on most skin types, including dry and sensitive.

After using Liftactiv for two weeks, I can definitely see a slight improvement in my skin's texture and can feel the anti-wrinkle power of the product as my skin becomes smoother. It's quite pleasant to use due to its lightweight texture, and unlike most Retinol based products, it's gentle on the skin.


HOW TO USE: Can be used daily in 3 ways, on clean face and neck:
1. Alone as daily moisturizer
2. Layered on top of your daily serum or under your daily moisturizer
3. As a localized treatment

PROS:

• Non comedogenic, Hypoallergenic & Paraben free formula
• Contains Vichy Thermal Spa Water which gives a soothing effect
• Gentle on the skin
• Product penetrates quickly
• Lightweight texture with lasting hydration
• Non greasy, non sticky, making it an excellent base for makeup
• Features look less tired
• Smoother skin
• With Anti-inflammatory Properties: Adenosine 0.1% 
• With 24h Hydration: - Hyaluronic Acid 0.2% - Glycerine 8%

CONS:
Can be pricy at $50-$55 in Drugstores across Canada.

Value: 4/5
Quality: 4.5/5
Effectiveness: 4/5
Packaging: 4/5
Price: $$$$
Overall: 4/5  Give it a try! 

After years of using the perfect multi-functional NARS Yachiyo Brush I've finally decided to review it. Sadly, it looks like the infamous, highly rated brush is now out of stock at NARS.com and Sephora, although, I did find it available online by the Canadian retailer, The Bay, where I have originally purchased it for $73+!

So what's so good about it? The NARS Yachiyo brush's modern concept and function unites traditional Japanese culture, creating unique and versatile design. Featuring super black goat hair, known for its softness and strength, this Kabuki Artisan brush is designed for a variety of uses including color application, blending, contouring and highlighting. Super black goat hair is ideal for blending pigments.

PROS: 

• Easy to use
• Gorgeous packaging and design
• Well-made and well-crafted
• Multi-functional and versatile - it's great for contouring and highlighting
• Bendy and spring-like feel and diffusing pointy end designed for a perfect application
• Made for use with very pigmented powder blushes such as NARS Exhibit A
• Perfect for cheeks and face blush/bronzer application
• Made with very soft Pen Super Goat hairs, which are ideal for blending pigments
• The hand-spun black wisteria handle preserves its unique traditional character
• Rated 4.6 out of 5 by MakeupAlley.com members

CONS: 

• Very expensive
• Hard to find
• Slight hair fall out

Despite the price tag, I highly recommend investing in this brush. It lasted me many years, and it can do much more than a typical blush brush. Think of it as a 5-in-1 tool!

Value: 5/5
Quality: 4.5/5
Effectiveness: 5/5
Packaging: 5/5
Price: $$$$

Overall: 4/5  You gotta have it.

Would I use it again? Yes.

I've just discovered Make Up For Ever  glitter, a perfect solution for a hint of sparkle, shimmer, and glam for the Holiday look. Wow! While I have never used much glitter before, this high quality option is versatile for both body and face, and it doesn't look cheap nor tacky.  The new Midnight Glow glitter in Gun Metal 15, at $20, is lightweight, made of fine reflecting particles, and very easy to use. I'm very impressed with it's effect and performance, and can't wait to try the others. Take a look.

How to apply:
Apply using a brush, sponge applicator or the fingers. For optimum hold, wet the brush, sponge or fingers with water or Mist & Fix. Aqua Seal may also be used to create a waterproof hold.

Pros:

• A little bit goes a long way
• Adds fun to your look
• Highly pigmented
• Blends easily
• Multi-use
• Easy to use
• Shows beautifully in photographs
• Non-irritating!
• Affordable & lasts awhile

Cons:
Hard to clean up and can be messy if not used properly

What else you need to know:
"Sprinkle onto lip gloss in the evening to emphasize lip volume. To make glitter adhere to the body or hair, first spray these areas with water, then place a small amount glitter in the palm of your hand and gently blow onto the dampened areas."—Dany Sanz, Make Up For Ever founder

Value: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Effectiveness: 5/5
Packaging: 4/5
Price: $$

Overall: 4.5/5  Lovely!

Would I use it again? Yes.